"When the dust is settled on our lives, all we get to keep and take with us is our dignity, our integrity and the love and respect we shared with people." Red Dust Healing Motto

Last weekend, while walking with my fabulous friend and her nine-year-old daughter, I was called in to "co-parent" (I love that my friend refers to me as that - such a privilege and so generous!). You see, for the first time in her life, little Miss Nine wanted to cut her very long and luscious, thick brown hair which virtually touches her bottom it's that long! The girls at school all have hair just below their shoulders and her mum worried that perhaps the only reason she wanted to cut her hair was to be like everyone else.

I have a very vivid memory from around five years of age playing with my sister and cousins in their caravan when someone had the bright idea of taking it in turns at being locked in the little bar fridge!

It is not uncommon for people to come into the clinic seeking strategies to manage their fears about having an MRI or other scans such as bone scans or CT scans, particularly if they are a part of the monitoring and management of a chronic health condition.

I'm a late bloomer when it comes to being a grown-up. While my friends' handbag collections were growing by the week, I persevered with (stylish) backpacks well into my thirties and when they woke-up an hour early to apply make-up and straighten hair, I prioritised extra sleep!

Three weeks ago I returned from one of the most amazing trips of my life, this time through India & Nepal. I may never find the words to write about it. Instead, I'd like to share some of my photos. These are some of the faces of India & Nepal.

Psychology & Science is a British website that examines the latest research as well as discussion of topical stories, concerning the areas of psychology and science that contribute to our understanding of health and well-being. Psysci blogger, Marcus Clarke, is a guest writer today for The Psychology of It, adding to our articles on Social Anxiety Disorder and the evolution of anxiety, Marcus writes for us about how social connection rewires the brain.

Earlier this year, six-year-old Scarlett (she's 7 now!) wrote to us at The Psychology of It asking a very important question - "Why do people live if they're only going to die?" We answered Scarlett in an open letter. So impressed by the curiosity and intelligence of this young lady, we thought it only fitting to invite her over for a cup of tea and what turned out to be a very special Conversation on the Couch. You can see it here.